It was a windy and rainy evening when we arrived in Waskaganish on the first evening of the community’s much-contested powwow September 21-23. The winds were so strong they knocked the powwow tent down. Besides worrying about the weather, there […]
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A spiritual nightmare
It was a dark and stormy night in Val-d’Or when we finally rolled out, destination Waskaganish. It had taken us more than eight hours to make our exit. First, the trailer my brother had bought required a different hitch. Then, […]
Tea & Bannock: Let the children dance
Over the past weeks, many people gave me feedback on my columns, especially youth. I’m happy my words echo throughout the territory because it makes me feel closer to my people. A lot of you are asking me to write […]
Powwow goes ahead despite “No” vote in Waskaganish referendum
The results of the referendum in Waskaganish are in and it’s not what many were expecting. A solid majority voted to reject a powwow in the community. However, while 2014 ballots were made available, only 426 votes were cast. A […]
Singing and drumming hope
I feel a greater sense of hope and optimism these days for the future when I talk to many of our young First Nation people. There are still many hurdles and difficulties they have to overcome, but in many ways, […]
Referendum called in Waskaganish to decide on cultural event
A referendum has been called in Waskaganish to decide the fate of the community’s first powwow, despite winning approval from the local band council. Fierce opposition by Chief Darlene Cheechoo and some community organizations has turned what is normally a […]
Sweltering heat couldn’t stop Kahnawake’s 2018 Powwow
Despite the scorching heat and dry conditions, throngs of people flocked to Kahnawake over the July 14-15 weekend for the 28th annual “Echoes of a Proud Nation” Powwow. More than 8300 visitors, dancers, vendors and food vendors from across Turtle […]
Niimuuhiikan offers a more personal powwow
August 19 and 20 marked a weekend of celebration in Mistissini, with the 2017 version of the Niimuuhiikan powwow rolling smoothly and taking place outside on the land despite some inclement weather. JBCCS Executive Director Luke MacLeod said that the […]
This year’s Mattagami powwow honours the Elders
A trio of eagles in flight greeted the seventh annual Mattagami First Nation Powwow August 19-20. Elder Mike Naveau pointed out that the three eagles had been over the community leading up to the gathering. Local members took it as […]
National Indigenous People’s Day
Aboriginal Day has come and gone and, for the most part, Canadians have gone about their lives, as usual, without noticing. In this time of reconciliation, it could be time for the federal government to recognize June 21 as a […]